Thanks to the restrictions put in place as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, shopping online for day-to-day items is now more commonplace than it has ever been before. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that many people are looking to cash in on this trend by offering their goods for sale through an online store. Unfortunately, many online business owners are quickly learning that some of the items that the average person may use on a daily basis are actually considered hazardous by shipping companies. 

If you are planning to open your own online store, it is important that you have a clear understanding of what items shipping companies consider hazardous, as well as the cost and packing requirements that come along with shipping these items to your customers. 

Everyday Items That Are Considered Hazardous

You probably don't need anyone to tell you that shipping corrosive chemicals falls under the category of hazardous or dangerous materials. However, the list of items that requires hazmat shipping includes several far more common items such as nail polish, batteries, and even hair spray. Perfumes and dry shampoos are other common items that will require you to ship using hazmat protocols. This is because these items have the potential to cause property damage or personal injury if they should break or become damaged during the shipping process. 

Getting Educated Before You Ship Hazardous Materials

In order to minimize the risks associated with shipping hazardous materials, the law requires that you get some basic training before you are eligible to ship these items. This training will teach you the proper way to package each type of hazardous material in order to minimize the risk of it be damaged during the shipping process. You will also learn how to properly label all packages that contain potentially dangerous items so that your shipping company and delivery carrier can be aware of the hazmat classification and take appropriate steps on their end to ensure the package is handled properly.

The Cost Of Shipping Hazardous Materials

While it is true that shipping companies charge considerably more to ship hazardous items, this cost pales in comparison to the civil penalties you will face if you are found to be shipping hazardous materials through the traditional shipping process. The exact cost of shipping will depend upon not only what shipping company you choose but also on the exact materials you wish to ship. For this reason, it is always a good idea to get shipping quotes for any hazardous items before deciding whether or not to sell them through your online store.